Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit, is among regional leaders speaking out on the importance of China’s interest in the Caribbean.
Skerrit was among various regional leaders who met with the Chinese President Xi Jinping in Trinidad on Sunday and in an interview with Chinese network CCTV he said the visit was ‘an important step’ for the region.
“It signals China’s continued interest in the Caribbean because often times we are regarded as small countries, specks of sand in the Caribbean in the Caribbean Sea,” he said. “And for China to regard the Caribbean so seriously speaks volumes on the manner China views small islands states because China has been a champion of small island states for a very long time.”
Days before the visit of the Chinese president, US vice president, Joe Biden, also came to the region. When asked why so much emphasis is being placed on the Caribbean by the big international powers, Skerrit said regional governments have been synchronizing their position on important international matters.
“We normally take a unified position,” he said. “So, for example, if there is an issue at the United Nations, more than likely you will find CARICOM states would vote in one particular direction….now more than ever we a synchronizing our foreign policy, we are synchronizing our positions one very important international matters…”
Skerrit also said Caribbean leaders are not into seeking to play China against the United States. “This is not the case at all,” he noted. “China is our friend, likewise the United States is our friend.”
He pointed out that China ‘listens to a great extent’ while the US ‘fails to listen on several issues.’
He blamed the inaction of the US for China’s greater interest in the region and noted that unless the US is willing to adapt and make amendments to its policy to the Caribbean, this will continue to happen.
“It is not by our actions this is happening, it is by the inaction of the United States,” he said. “(But) we are not into the business of playing one against the other.”
I like Skerritt’s responses – inaction of the US is making China take notice of the Caribbean.
China wants to plant its roots all over the world and take over.
Now, I wish we’d have 1 Caribbean and be united and become a big force in the world…like the Chinese are slowly becoming. we need to protect the interests of all caribbean nations.
Folks stop bashing the tie between Dominica and China,Dominica does not have the resources to help it peope.To me meeting the Chinese President is more important then Vice President Biden all what he has to offer sweet talks he doesn’t have the power to grant other countrs ,without congress and senator also the president does not have the power as well,I love the U.S but we have to look forour best interest.
China over the USA, China is looking out for it self, and have some plan. China is not giving without something in return. China plan is to be the strongest nation in the world one day. So yes, this include the islands of the carribean.
In the mean time many people in China are afraid of their government. Many are being put in prison, and many are living in poverty.
The carribean in general should be careful with what business they make with China, because it will come back to hunt them in the near future.
The US is looking for itself and is executing some plan. All countries should look for themselves. Remember that the US is most indebted to China.
The interview conducted by Skerrit will be used as evidence by the Chinese state controlled media, to validate that China is succeeding in conquering the Caribbean Islands who observes the 0NE CHINA POLICY.
If China likes Dominica so much, why aren’t they opening their Country to Dominican citizens to come and work under work programs just like the US does?
Why all these excitement about China is beyond me. China is not giving us anything free, ITS A LOAN! And Dominicans will have to pay it back. All you Labor party/Red Clinic recipients, get this in your shallow brains.
Plus, whenever China “loan” you money, they flood your Country with their people. What is that at all!!!
leave our SWEET PM alone…. all of you guys just jealous of what he’s doing in Dominica
Which is what may i ask?
WHY is China interested? WHY? Not because they love us and want to help. Are our politicians seeing to our interests or their own and be damned with Dominica because they have their cayman and swiss acounts?
Anyway, when everything falls apart for Dominicans all of you who suported blindly and gorged yourselves like the pigs that you are better take it like men!
wow,
when the island get no aid or attention… people complain.
When the island get aid and attention… people complain.
When on French “blacklist”… complain.
When NOT on French blacklist… complain.
Wow,I love your humor,so true.
Lintonites complain
Yet no one complains that no one cares to work for what they want. That complaints are about aid vs no aid. Population of beggars.
You McIntites complain about everything, u all complain about people complain, u all complain about the porsche parked in pottersville and u all complain about things u all should not complain about.
So much money Alba & China pour on Dominica and we have more poverty, more corruption, more paros, i expect more of the same with mista, nothing will change Dominique fini bat under skerro.
That’s because improving our society isn’t up to others, and it’s not really up to Skerrit or anyone else in politics, either — it’s basically up to ourselves.
We will have poverty so long as we don’t focus on entrepreneurship, we will have corruption so long as government is powerful rather than weak, and we will have paros so long as we fail to recognise that drug abuse is our most important public health problem, not a criminal problem.
No aid from foreign despots will change any of that. The Chinese and Venezuelans can send money, which is nice, and may help in some cases, but they cannot drop pixie dust on our island that magically solves our problems.
Don’t skerrit knw that china sees something important in the caribbean, we have value that no where in the world have… its rich so they want to used our resources to manufactured whatever they want to finish manufactured to get us out of the caribbean
Why are you making such statements without thinking.I would like to as ask you identify the resources Dominica has that China needs for it’s manufacturing of finish Goods.What resources do the other Caribbean countries have that China needs for it’s manufacturing of finished goods.Do know the distance between China and Dominica.Do you know the logistics that would be involved to get things to China.I’m not saying that china does not need resources for it’s economy and people regarding it’s population, as for now there is nothing that China wants other than shaming the US in their own backyard being able to be a big political player in the region,plus they get access to another huge market to sell their products and expand their dominance politically and economically.
There is something call;VOTING POWER;that’s very important in the UN,lt’s up for grabs in the Carribean.
Papa Bon Dier give Mr Skerrit a chance. Let us educate ourselves and move with times. Dominica is the only Island in the WI that is not on the map of the world, by that i mean development. We are getting there and we need to be united to do so. So hey stop the Wahala and support the man and country.
All Dominicans should now demand to know what the terms an conditions are in the MoU.
Is Dominican one of the countries that Chinese troops will occupy?
How long was the deal signed for.
Why is that we in Da are so laid back, when citizens all of the would are demanding more power to the people.
ofcourse dominica will be one of the island where china troops will occupy, they already settling in disguised
If China is planning to send troops to Dominica as you stated and have already been doing it in disguise, please explain to me and other Dominicans what you have uncovered.
come on massacre , you mean you don ‘t see the conditions manifesting here in d/ca? to start with see the amount of chineses stores on King Goeorge V street alone. then look at all the building the chineses are constructing, dragon windows and doors. Chinese start buying land here now. you mean you are that blind?
The value of experience is not in seeing much, but in seeing wisely.
The conditions attached these loans from China, stipulates a 0NE CHINA POLICY and the recipients will be just like puppets to China.
It is either China or Taiwan. Do you realise the Chinese leader did not meet with the Caribbean countries leaders who have ties with Taiwan. What would you do?
It is clear that Skerro has power fatigue. Why doesn’t he think before he talks.
Just to let you know, that the U.S is looking.
You did not go to the meeting with the U.S Vice President but you ran to meet the Chinese leader.
The reasons being, the U.S not longer give leaders cash in hand unlike China.
So leaders of today are going east.
But all that will end soon/.
Dominicans your future is in your hands , take hold of it.
The leaders are representative of the people. DOMINICANS are beggars therefore they will vote in beggars. Very simple.
Dominicans are thieves so the vote in theives. Very simple.
Look at the Government. Look at how much of the vote that Government controls and you will see who the people are.
all is good and well but as a dominican all i want to know is what is in the M.O.U
How old is the PM??? He looks much older than the age I think he is.
55
Great response Mr. PM. Diplomatic Smarts.
Boy look jokes in Dominica! I think it was Gramax that wrote a song that goes, ” Mei daba whoy, whoy,whoy, daba….That’s what you call real daba. Here is the daba and joke:
Dominica’s PM flew to Trinidad to meet with his beloved China’s president Mr. X1 Jinping. Apparently Mr. Jinping gave a $3 million loan to be distributed among nine Caribbean countries. Don’t laugh too much you know because you have plenty more jokes coming. But notice nou: although that money was LOANED by China, it was not China’s President Mr. X1 Jinping, nor China’s Embassador to the Caribbean that made the announcement, but Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago Ms. Kamia Persad. Not only that but the PM of TT was the one that said what the money would be used for, but however, she forgot to tell us the exact amount Dominica would be getting and the interest rate. Meanwhile, while it was Ms. Persad that seems to have received the money and apparently will distribute it as she feels, it was the Prime Minister of Dominica, Mr. Roosevelt Skerrit that went on Chinese TV to conduct an interview with them and took swipes at the USA. Boy, warn Mr. Skerrit because he is putting Dominica in bad light. DNO, Please do not delete my comments as you have been doing. I am very concerned about my country and I have to speak out. Furthermore, everything I said is based on observations that I made from what you reported and it is there for the world to read. I know how they are always ready to threaten to suit and therefore I am very careful with what I say. So Plz put it out for the public to view my concerns. THKS.
You are a flipping idiot…..the meeting was held in Trinidad, hence that country was the host.
International diplomatic protocol dictates that any major announcements coming from such a meeting must be made by the host country and the host leader.
You people are so stupid it is embarrassing.
@ Anonymous, I wish you had left your name but we all know when you all want to play smart and call people name is always a hit and run. But you are right to refer to me as “Idiot” because one has to be an idiot to support and try to defend Skerrit. I was truly an idiot because I voted and campaigned for the DLP in 2000, 2005, and the last election. However, I shall never allow myself to be an idiot and be fooled forever.
You are telling us that the reason why Trinidad PM was the one to make that announcement is because international protocol dictates that any major announcements coming from such meeting MUST be made by the host country and the host leader. Good try my friend! Maybe that’s how it works in countries that are not transparent but not so in opened countries.
FYI, that same week, the vice president of the USA met with caricom in the same island of T&T oprime Minister, and that same Prime Minister of Trinidad Ms. Kamla Persad-Bissessar was present. However, it was Haiti president Mr. Micheal Markelly that signed on behalf of Caricom and other statements were made by CARICOM. All this happened and host leader Ms. Parsad sitting there. At the end of the day, we all knew what transpired. Bye the way, is that the reason why we don’t know what is on MOU? I waiting
OMG, your stupidity shines forth once again. lol
The meeting between Biden and the CARICOM leaders in Trinidad was organized by the CARICOM secretariat. Martelly is the rotating president of CARICOM and hence he is the chief spokesperson. lol lol
The Chinese president’s visit was not organized by CARICOM. He came on a private visit to Trinidad and said he would meet with regional leaders who have diplomatic relations with Beijing, with Dominica being one of them.
Hence any major announcements had to be made by the host, nation Trinidad.
I see you comment all the time on DNO but I don’t think you read the stories.
Here is a quote from a story published by DNO on May 31 entitled “PM to meet Chinese President”:
“The CARICOM Secretariat is not involved in the arrangements for the meeting to be held in Port of Spain, unlike the just-ended official visit by United States Vice-President Joe Biden to Trinidad and Tobago.”
Read my friend, read and understand and stop posting comments blindly. lol lol
OMG, Anonymous, your desire to mislead the Dominicans again shows up in a big way. It was you that said that the host leader usually makes such announcements. I brought this example because I knew you would try to use CARICOM to further mislead people.
FYI, the difference between the Biden / CARICOM meeting and the China/ Caribbean heads meeting is, as CARICOM, those islands come under one umbrella with the view of pushing for the profit of “CARICOM” instead of their individual island and hence, Haiti president acting as head of CARICOM spoke and signed on behalf of one CARICOM. However, the ball game is totally different when Caribbean leaders met with China President. The objective of each leader was to look out for their individual island, and I am quite sure each island requested dollar amount of loan from China. In fact the president of China recognized Dominica as “His country’s good friend and partner.”
Let me use cricket to help you understand this: When West Indies is playing cricket, they play as one team and all of us as west Indians rally behind them whether they are from Trinidad, Guyana, Antigua or Dominica. However, it is different when those same players are competing in our Domestic league. In other words when West Indies playing England, we want to see Chris Gayle make a hundread; but when the same Chris Gayle is playing for Jamaica against Windward we want to see him get go foe zero. The same is true between CARICOM and Caribbean leaders.
I am not against Ms. Persad making announcement as host leader, but my question is, in the interest of transparency, why did not either the president of China, the PM of Trinidad or the PM of Dominica let us know how much money Dominica will be getting? This is not a gift from China but a loan and therefore each country is responsible for the terms of their loan. The Caribbean of Ms. Persad will not be held responsible for the $3 billion. She and Trinidad will only be responsible for their portion of the loan. Somebody needs to tells us how much China loaned to Dominica and where that money will be used ok mr. smart.
Yet….if you begged Dominicans to go and live in China they would not.
There is a lesson in all of this.
They give money which never filters down, they exact no standards on the governments who receive the money other than to ingratiate themselves to the One China policy and to allow total access to Chinese merchandise and merchants and they really do not give two patat about human rights.
So the population gets poorer, the chinese merchant base grows, and those who migrate leave and go to the US.
Where is the biggle single support system for DOminicans ? Remittances from the US.
Meanwhil the Labour powder jumping and wailing about how China helping their PM and yet it is China which is taking their lil money and it is from the US economy they get their little barrel and christmas money.
Dominican economics 101.
You have to laugh.
But, but, but…..is not there a word called DEMONSTRATION? AND ANOTHER ONE CALLED, CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE? These two words put into action will ease all your pains!!! “sticks and stones can break my bones; words can be me no harm.” What change (s) has all these back and forth talking brought about? the powers that be does not regard in-action. We must do something, and not just wasting precious time coming on DNO and blagaying all day. Let’s look at the changes which took place in other parts of the world, and what the people had to do to effect these changes. People, if you are so dis-satisfied with what happening in your beloved country, then you should take to the streets in huge numbers and peacefully demonstrate, and let your voices be heard on the streets. Such demonstrations will hit the Web causing a greater impact than simply sitting in front of your computers. Something needs to be done real soon. Or Dominica will be history.
It’s only you and a few like you that think and talk like this.Don’t you realise the majority of Dominicans care less about you all.Why don’t you make the first move and see how many will follow.
Why would you make such foolish statements, quote “They give money which never filters down” do you really believe such nonsense and you really want Dominicans to accept you economic 101.Do you really believe that the biggest single support system for Dominicans is US remittance.You need to understand that there are two type of facts, one that you make up and one that you research.I think you need to do the latter before presenting any theory on economics, since that could lead to a flawed theory.
Mr. Skerrit knows very well that he is in the business of playing the China verses the USA game. I cannot remember Skerrit ever saying anything lovely about the USA, where as he always has nice things to say about China, Venezuela, Cuba, Iran, Iraq, or Gaddafi.
While I agree the US is not giving out money like the others, we as a nation cannot and should never forget the impute of the USA on our nationals. Every year hundreads of Dominicans are receiving green cards to better themselves in the US and that is not based on ones last name. Can you imagine what DA would be like if it had not been for the many of us that the USA gave an opportunity to a better future and be able to help our families? How many of us China gives that opportunity to. In fact they find a way to move to our country to compete with our people. If you were the president of China why would you not give billions of dollars in loan when you know: 1. The money loaned will create employment for your own people 2.Apart from interest that will be paid, the majority of the money loaned will return to China’s economy as Chinese send their foreign money right back to China 3.It is an opportunity to help them with foreign export as Chinese, no matter where they are, do not spend a penny on clothes, rice, flour etc. They shop in China for everything including toilet paper. How many times do you see them shopping at Astaphan, BrizeeMart, Witchurch?
Also, another thing we must never forget is, China does not demand transparency where as the USA, France Canada, England want to know how every cent was spent. So Skerrit we understand the game
china is interested for two main interest in the Caribbean 1- so that Caribbean nations will not vote for Taiwan to have nation hood status and 2 to increase china economical and cultural interest.
Maybe the inaction of the American Government in Dominica is a blessing, especially if the Americans had the do like the Chinese.Has the Prime Minister taken a look at business houses in Roseau. Approximately forty stores and small shops are owned by Chinese . Therefore,the action Skerrit claims to be shown by the Chinese is in their own interest and profit.
My PM is trying but them hypocrites will never accept his efforts to improve our island. Dominica is by far the most improved island in the caribbean. The others are claiming to have much but they’re suffering and struggling.
The mighty USA has never looked upon us. China and ALBA has given us something to look forward too. I’m glad for their efforts.
Skerrit do what you and your government have to do and pay no mind to the desperadoes of Q95.The Dominican people have your back!Their little handful can’t touch you no matter how much they cry for BOOTS on the Ground…We are the Boots(voters) and we will decide when We will put those Boots(votes) on the ground.When we do we gonna mash them up.And that will be the (political)end of some of them.
I see a man with a dry stick, attempting to fight with a man holding a machine gun. Look jokes.
One who speaks on both sides of his mouth and does not have any clue of how the lies and deception hurt his people.
PM Skerrit: “‘It is not by our actions this is happening, it is by the inaction of the United States.”
Well-said!
well, my two cents is that he can see an election victory on the 3 billion. Dominicans fall for skerrits’ crap much less for 3 billion, no matter if skerrit tell them is in a bank in a fix deposit on the planet Mars or jupiter
What my boy getting old man? thought he would always be young and handsome (lol).
Well i look at things that way,if the chines are helping us they are welcome,every one is crying for help, even America, they do not help us MR Skerrit all i am asking, you to do what’s best for your people and the country,just don”t change the color of the country then you have problem,keep your eyes open the minute thing changing then you step up,we wont Dominica to keep it” name,NATURE ISLAND OF THE CARIBBEAN God bless you and home land,
Mr PM you need to explain to the Dominican people what exactly the ties with China has brought us, in terms of elevating our standard of living and our quality of life. Is it a STATE EVIL PLUS Unemployment? OR IS IT THE RESURFACING OF THE ROAD FROM ROSEAU TO PORTSMOUTH and the concomitant unemployment which went with it? Well sir the China Dominica relationship which obviously emanates from you incompetent negotiation skills has literally sidelined capable Dominican employees, and have created employment for Chinese nationals in droves. The commercial sector in our capital city has been taken over by the same Chinese, since the locals are finding it virtually impossible to compete.
The government of this country, has no sympathy for the locals. Instead insults and invectives reign supreme.In other words the mantra is probably ‘Stay Poor so I will control you at Will’.
Despite your implied preference to ties with China, “The USA is under the table watching and spying”, play the cards well, because the USA is big daddy, and irrespective of which country is on your side, when they are ready they act, and will act.
CHINA + DOMINICA RELATIONSHIP = POVERTY AND UNEMPLOYMENT.
SKERRIT AND CHINA RELATIONSHIP = POVERTY AND UNEMPLOYMENT!!!!!!
You know You are not entitled to your opinion. You are entitled to your informed opinion. No one is entitled to be ignorant.
There was a summit for all Caribbean leaders held in the BVI all other countries were there axcept for our own PM. He didn’t even have the audacity to send a representative but he can run to Jingping. The name speaks for itself. A whole lot of useless words with no action. He will find out sooner or later. He and jingping will dance to their own jingping music. All Caribbean flags were flying as PM or their representatives disembark at the Beef Island Airport not a sign of my flag. At Necker Island where the meeting was held. Employees proudly waved their flags as their PM smiled warmly back at them. Many Dominicans work on that private Island owned by Sir Richard Branson felt betrayed as their flag was no where to be seen. How shameful and sad is that!
Isn’t the Ross/Devry University a US based Company Investment in Dominica..
Look at how it has transformed the Possie area..
Uncle Sam has contributed widely and more than china has to Dominica. so will stick with the USA always.
The USA Regime plays such a big role in that Investment via it’s Dept of Education giving the Ok for US citizens to study in Dominica.
Skerrit is making it hard for Domnicans to get a US visa when he says that China listens and The US does not. How many Dominicans are living in China compared to Dominicans living in the US? As a PM he should know when to speak and when to shut up. He doesn’t realise how difficult it is for Dominicans to visit relatives in the US because he has multiple passports and doesn’t need a thing to travel because he is PM.He needs to remember us the” MALAWE”
soo true
But since we have ties with China, Dominica’s economy has crumbled.
Making Dominica the Poorest in the Eastern Caribbean
Look at the wide spread Poverty in Dominica.
I have not see China’s input making a more striving Society for Dominicans…
Or maybe the smiling regime gets its kick backs.
Definitely things have gotten worst.
What have you done?
Donna:THIS IS PURE RUBBISH TALK!!!!!!!!!!!!
If you have nothing to say shout your mouth please, sort!!!!
why are u people so ingorant to the fact that’s infront of u. u knw is true yet u shut ur eyes.
i agree with donna, it’s so true
Donna i agree with you 100%, Dominican society has deteriorated & crime is higher now, trust skerro to do more of the same.
Remember the song, “blame it on the rain” well blame it on Skerrit and China.
While everyone is entitled to his/her opinion, i have come to realise that many of these opinions are based on emotions,ignorance, political bias and gossip.
NO it’s since Skerrit came into power our economy has crumbled. Chinese assistance under Mamo or any other intelligent forward thinking relativey honest PM and Dominica’s economy would be in a strong place.
Or maybe not as China may not have been interested in smart strong Government. Superpowers like China and USA thrive on chaos and corruption and dumb politicians.
Well according to you Dominica and the region should seek U.S.VISA & GREEN CARD to come to U.S.A but rather go to China.
The US is worst than Dominica only that it is big Dominica always have something blooming on a tree that you can eat in America if you don”t have dog better than you if you get something you need 8cent for tax enjoy D/A while can.
The US is worst than Dominica only that it is big, Dominica always have something blooming on a tree that you can eat in America if you don”t have a Dollar dog better off than you, if you get something for that dollar you need 8cent for tax so enjoy D/A while you can.
My friend despite repeated requests refuses to give me bread to eat,knowing fuilly well that I am hungry and I need thebread to regain my strength and thus earn my own bread in the future. My friend continue to behave as though I am a bother to him and so has not endeared himself to me like a true friend.
On the other hand I have a new found friend who is prepared to assist me with bread so that I will regain my strength and eventually bake my own bread. I happily accept that bread to the displeasure of my friend who has consistently failed to give me fresh bread. He would prefer that I do not accept the bread simply because he has issues with my new found friend.
America should take note. America went after our bananas (in a speech at the United Nations, Edison James, as Prime Minister referred to the action of the US as that of an economic terrorist)America cut back on foreign aid to the Caribbean but keep sending hundreds of millions of dollars to the Eastern Europe – the former comunists; stopped the President scholarship program and concentrated rather on drug eradication in our islands rather than working to stop the craze for drugs in the inner cities of America.
Well said!
Truth to power my friend. Truth to power.
“He blamed the inaction of the US for China’s greater interest in the region and noted that unless the US is willing to adapt and make amendments to its policy to the Caribbean, this will continue to happen.”
DNO can you, or any commentator here, direct us to US POLICY TO THE CARIBBEAN of which Skerrit refers so we can make sense of this statement?
Just look at CNN and do some reading….google it and you will get troves of information….don’t be that naive and gullible
Do I have to tell you everything…or you could ask carlisle or linton….they know it all…jee weeze Louise
Skerrit borrowed this notion from somewhere…
I know I read that exact point o view somewhere before.
I read it too! but will not say where. Skerrit just paraphrased the term. He likes to copy the bad.
One doe not have to read the us policy towards the region to make sense from Skerrit’s remarks. US aid to the region has dwindled over the years and the majority of the Aid we get from the US is for paramilitary purposes -“to combat the drug trade”
I love my pm, no one is perfect and my pm has tried, he has tried.
Where has your PM tried? What has he fixed? what can you point at? The airport, where millions of $ were dumped and at the end of the day our international flight now accommodate fewer passengers that what he met? What else, the hospital? Just ask mr. Timothy and Charles Savrin. The Roseau to Possie road that he re-surfaced? What was announced was 3 way highway. Create employment? Can’t be! If you take an honest look at the Dominica of 2013 verses the one they met in 2000 when they took over, the developments you will see are: increase of crime by at list 75% more begging on our streets for sure; drug trafficking, more people who do not have a job or some have a job but their salary cannot justify their acquisition, increase of corruption and the list goes on.
Open your eyes wider to rid yourself of tunnel vision.
It seems like the opposition forces gather up like flies behind their computers to give thumbs down to any comment commending the PM. You blues really need to get a life!!!!
“Anonymous,” that’s what you are probably being paid to do. Thus, you think the opposition is like you.
yes he has tried to kill the country and succeeded, why don’t u shut ur mouth
LOL @ Solely. You’re funny!!!